Which Pennsylvania Traffic Tickets Can Result in a Driver’s License Suspension?

Most motorists understand that moving violations result in fines. What many do not realize is that several Pennsylvania traffic violations trigger an automatic suspension of your driver’s license—even on a first offense with zero previous points.

Losing your driving privileges can disrupt employment, family responsibilities, and livelihood. Philadelphia traffic defense attorney Mark D. Hauser, Esquire, has over 30 years of legal experience fighting license-suspending citations across Greater Philadelphia.

1. Passing a Stopped School Bus (75 Pa.C.S. § 3345)

Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm is one of the most strictly enforced violations in Pennsylvania. An officer-issued conviction results in:

• Mandatory 60-Day Driver’s License Suspension
• 5 Points assessed on your PennDOT record
• $250 minimum fine plus court costs

2. Railroad Crossing Gate Violations (75 Pa.C.S. § 3341)

Driving through, around, or under a closing or closed railroad crossing gate carries an automatic 30-day license suspension and 4 points.

3. Reckless Driving (75 Pa.C.S. § 3736)

Reckless driving requires driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1532(b), a conviction triggers an automatic 6-month license suspension.

4. Excessive Speeding (31+ mph Over Limit)

Exceeding the speed limit by 31 mph or more triggers a mandatory PennDOT Departmental Hearing. PennDOT has statutory authority to impose an immediate 15-day suspension or mandate a driver road test.

5. School-Zone and Work-Zone Speeding

• School Zones (§ 3365(b)): A second conviction for speeding in a school zone carries a mandatory 60-day license suspension.
• Active Work Zones (§ 1535(e)): Speeding 11 mph or more in an active work zone triggers an automatic 15-day suspension.